Emmanuel Ifechukwude Benyeogor
Tell us about yourself!
I am a data scientist and epidemiologist with about 10 years of experience in both private and public health sectors, now expanding my capability to nature-based solutions for Africa's public health institutions. My expertise encompasses data management, monitoring and evaluation, and data analysis. At the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, I was part of the Public Health Emergency Management team, leading on information and communication in the network of Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) hubs. My role involved deploying and maintaining technology systems for over 30 subnational Public Health EOCs, while mentoring frontline responders and employing systems thinking to address complex problems. I co-led a US CDC-supported Growing Expertise in E-health Knowledge and Skills (GEEKs) program, developing the data management capacity of three cohorts drawn from three sister agencies in the Ministry of Health. In the private sector and non-government space, I have consulted as a workshop coordinator and faculty at The Global Health Network, an Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) moderator for Africa at ProMED, mHealth Data Manager at PharmAccess, and a Social Media Analyst at United Bank for Africa. I am a Fleming fund AMR fellow, Young African Leadership Initiative Public Management fellow, and fellow of the African Alliance Digital Health Leadership Program. I hold COBIT2019, PRINCE2, and Microsoft Solutions Associate certifications. I apply my extensive background in IT, data science, public health and planetary to drive innovative solutions, improve health outcomes and nature intelligence for healthier and safer planet.
Why did you pursue a DrPH?
I pursued a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) because I wanted to address the pressing public health challenges that I had observed in the last 10 years of working in the public health space in Nigeria. My Masters coincided with the 2014 Ebola outbreak, and at that time, the best I could do was support efforts on social media, as I couldn't find an opportunity to be on the frontline. My experience during the COVID-19 response, where I was actively on the frontline, was a turning point for me. It highlighted the significant economic disparity and developmental issues that impede public health event prevention and response. I saw firsthand the complexities of decision-making and risk communication amidst uncertainties in a post-truth world. Before COVID-19, all attempts to pursue a PhD in Epidemiology fell through, as it was the only doctoral path I knew. However, the DrPH program at Nagasaki University through JICA PREPARE scholarship has offered me a unique opportunity that aligned perfectly with my new interests and career goals. I was particularly drawn to the DrPH because it focuses on practical, leadership-oriented approaches to public health, which are essential for tackling the economic disparities and communication challenges that I am now passionate about. Furthermore, I aim to guide organizations in understanding their nature-related dependencies, impacts, risks, and opportunities. My goal is to seek impact, green, or climate funds to leverage nature-based solutions and the circular economy to address Africa's public health challenges. The DrPH program has provided me with the skills and knowledge to address these issues comprehensively and to contribute effectively to public health leadership and policy development.
What are you currently excited about in your job?
Currently, I am excited about assessing the nature-related factors of the health sector. Much is known about the impact of climate change, one of the five drivers of nature change, on health. However, it's important to recognize that this relationship is cyclical. Every business or venture, whether for profit or not, relies on natural capital for its products and meeting its deliverables, including the healthcare delivery sector, which focuses on holistic medical care for patients. If each of us can map and account for our consumption, we would be able to identify consumptogenic habits that impact nature positively and otherwise. In the long run, this can change our behavior and demand, which I believe will have an effect on the markets. Learning this in Japan provides the opportunity to focus on the methodology and build a network. Integrating nature-based solutions into public health practices, particularly within Africa's public health institutions, is the next phase. This innovative approach not only addresses health challenges but also leverages the potential of natural ecosystems to improve health outcomes and foster sustainability. I am also thrilled about the opportunity to develop and implement strategies that utilize data science and epidemiology to enhance the effectiveness of these nature-based solutions. This includes working on projects that analyze and interpret complex health data to identify patterns, inform decision-making, and drive impactful public health interventions. Additionally, collaborating with diverse teams and mentoring frontline responders provides a continuous learning experience and a chance to contribute to building a robust public health infrastructure. This multidisciplinary approach, combining technology, data science, and nature-based strategies through planetary health lens, is paving the way for groundbreaking advancements in Africa's public health, and I am enthusiastic about being at the forefront of this transformative journey.
If you could write a book about your life, what would the title be and why?
If I could write a book about my life, the title would be "The Kingdom of Heaven: From Biochemistry to Nature Intelligence". This title encapsulates the multifaceted journey I've embarked on, drawing inspiration from both scientific exploration and spiritual contemplation. "The Kingdom of Heaven" signifies not only a biblical promise but also a metaphorical quest for deeper understanding and connection. It reflects my exploration of the intricate biochemical processes that govern life, while also delving into the profound wisdom and order found in nature's ecosystems, echoing the biblical concept of harmony and divine creation which we now see in ethos of planetary health as harmony with nature. "From Biochemistry to Nature Intelligence" highlights the evolution of my journey. Beginning with a rigorous scientific foundation in biochemistry, I have ventured towards a broader appreciation of nature's inherent intelligence and the lessons it teaches us about resilience, interconnectedness, and sustainability. This journey underscores the interconnectedness of all life forms and emphasizes the importance of nurturing a holistic perspective that integrates scientific inquiry with spiritual insights. Ultimately, this title represents my commitment to bridging scientific exploration with a reverence for the divine order in nature, aiming to contribute to a deeper appreciation and stewardship of our planet's natural systems as envisioned in biblical teachings, practised by indigenous people and explored by science.
What is something interesting about you that we should know?
Certainly! Something interesting about me is that I have a deep passion for exploring new territories, both literally and intellectually. Whether it's through traveling to unfamiliar places or delving into new fields of knowledge, I thrive on the excitement of discovery and the opportunity to broaden my perspectives. This curiosity extends beyond conventional boundaries; I find myself drawn to understanding complex challenges such as climate change, nature dynamics, and global pandemics. These topics intrigue me because they embody uncertainties and risks in our increasingly interconnected world. Navigating these uncertainties requires innovative thinking and a commitment to continuous learning, which fuels my desire to explore and contribute meaningfully to addressing these critical issues. Each new experience in this journey becomes a stimulating exploration for my mind and spirit, driving me to seek deeper understanding and solutions in a post-truth era.
